A possible brush fire is reported at 2349 Main Road (Route 5), just east of Indian Falls Road, in East Pembroke. East Pembroke Fire Department is responding.

From Patrick S. Privatera, MS, PT, ATC, president, Village Physical Therapy & Village Fitness, 3 West Ave., Le Roy.

To our valued patients:

Like most other businesses, organizations, and government agencies, we at Village Physical Therapy and Village Fitness continue to monitor the developing situation regarding the coronavirus (COVID-19). I’d like to take this opportunity to provide some updates.

Our physical therapy operations, deemed “essential services” by New York State, are continuing. We want our patients to know that we are still here for them now — and always — during this crisis and beyond. However, we have made some adjustments intended to protect our staff, patients, and communities.

Although our offices remain open on a limited basis and with enhanced measures in place to reduce the risk of infection, we’re encouraging our patients to transition to telehealth services so that they can remain safe at home. You can initiate a telehealth appointment by:

• Send an email to info@villagefit.com
• Calling our Le Roy office at (585) 768-4550 or our Batavia office at (585) 343-9496;
• Visiting our website and completing the Request An Appointment form.

We’re using a teleconferencing app, called Zoom, which can connect with a computer, tablet, smartphone, or other audio/visual-capable device. You can connect at home, at work, or anywhere else you have access to the internet. To initiate a connection, we will simply send out an email containing a secure link from Zoom; you click on the link, and then we’re automatically connected.

If you are unable to connect this way, we can also connect by phone. Most insurance companies have waived co-pays, deductibles, and co-insurance for telehealth visits while the state of emergency is in place.

Behind the scenes, the local healthcare systems have begun making emergency preparations for a large influx of critically ill patients. Many are cancelling routine visits, elective surgeries, and nonemergency tests and procedures so that they can deploy their staff and resources to the “front lines” of the crisis where they are needed most. We, as physical therapists, stand ready to fill that void. You can see a physical therapist without a physician’s prescription for up to 30 days in most cases, so please don’t hesitate to call upon us if we may be of assistance.

We at Village Physical Therapy and Village Fitness will continue to strive to meet our clients’ needs while mitigating the spread of the COVID-19 virus.

We're talking with Donna Saskowski, executive director of Arc of Genesee Orleans.

A person under the age of 65 from the central part of Genesee County has tested positive for COVID-19, according to information just released by the Health Department, and is in isolation recovering at home.

There are now two positive cases in Genesee County with the other person, who tested positive nearly a week ago, also recovering at home.

Contact tracing has been initiated on the new case. Known contacts are already under mandatory quarantine.

The press release says that if the known contacts are symptomatic they will be tested for COVID-19 but does not indicate if any of them are symptomatic.

A total of 16 people are under mandatory quarantine in Genesee County, down from 21 yesterday, and 18 people are under precautionary quarantine.

Since the onset of testing, there have been 49 negative test results in Genesee County.

State rules require that a person placed under mandatory quarantine who was symptomatic must have two negative swab tests before being released from quarantine.

There have been people in Genesee County who were symptomatic but were released from mandatory quarantine after negative test results.

Health Department officials continue to ask people who are feeling ill to stay home. Besides COVID-19, the flu is still prevalent in the community.

Here is the county press release:

SITUATIONAL UPDATE

• As of 2 p.m. today Genesee County received one new positive case of COVID-19.
• The positive case is under the age of 65 and resides in the central part of Genesee County. The individual is under mandatory isolation and is recovering at home.
• Contact tracing has been initiated for the new case. Known contacts have already been placed under mandatory quarantine and will be swabbed if indicated (if symptoms present). If a person is identified as a contact, they will be notified by the Genesee County Health Department.
• Since the onset of testing, Genesee County has received 49 negative test results and Orleans, 52 negative test results for COVID-19.
• Orleans County: Six people are under precautionary quarantine; seven people are under mandatory quarantine; and three people are under mandatory isolation, one of whom is hospitalized and two are recovering at home.
• Genesee County: 18 people are under precautionary quarantine; 16 people are under mandatory quarantine; and two people are under mandatory isolation at home where they are recovering.
• As we receive more test results, local contact tracing will continue within our departments for any positive results. The cases and stories are being built and documented. Contact tracing is initiated based on the day the identified positive case became symptomatic. Identified contacts are notified by the local health department, quarantined and if warranted, swabbed as indicated.
• Currently, NYS clearance criteria require two negative COVID-19 swabbing results prior to being released. Swabbing through the Health Departments is warranted as part of our quarantine/isolation protocol for those who become symptomatic. We are not providing community testing at this time.
• Please remain home if ill, with all of the directives regarding social distancing that are still be in place, especially if a person has a negative COVID-19 result it is important to limit physical contact. The flu and COVID-19 are still transmittable and people should continue to remain home and limiting contact with others. Do not be afraid of people because they may be coughing or sneezing, they may have allergies, but continue to keep your distance (at least 6 feet away).

OPERATIONAL UPDATES

• If you feel you may have COVID-19, call your primary care provider or healthcare facility ahead of time. DO NOT GO DIRECTLY THERE, CALL AHEAD TO GET GUIDANCE. Swabbing will be based on those who are at higher risk categories – elderly and immune-compromised and those with underlying health issues.
• Swab sample results are coming back slower than expected. With more testing, we expect this will continue. Whenever anyone is swabbed for potential COVID-19, self-isolation is strongly encouraged until the test result is received.

RETURNING SNOWBIRDS

• Due to the number of positive cases in New York State, there are stricter guidelines in place and may be different from your winter address. All large gatherings have been canceled or postponed. We strongly encourage anyone over 65 or those with underlying health issues to consider self-quarantine which means to limit contact with others as much as possible. Stay at home as much as possible as this age group is one of the higher-risk groups. This includes visiting the grocery store to limit exposure to any respiratory virus. Check with your grocery store/pharmacy to see if they have special considerations for seniors and those with underlying health issues such as special hours, curbside pickup or delivery. Monitor your symptoms and if you develop a fever, cough, or shortness of breath, call your primary care provider immediately.
• If you are in need of household essentials such as groceries or prescriptions, ask a family member, neighbor, someone in your social support network for assistance. They may be able to shop for your needs and leave the items outside your door so they do not have any physical contact with you.

UPDATE: An additional press release from the health department:

“Today the Genesee County Health Department received confirmation of a second positive case of COVID-19 in Genesee County” stated Paul Pettit, Director of the Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments. “The individual is in mandatory isolation where they are recovering.” The individual is under the age of 65 and resides in the central part of Genesee County.

“Public health nurses and our epidemiology team have notified the individual who tested positive for coronavirus and has placed them in mandatory isolation,” Pettit explained. “Contact tracing has been underway to notify individuals who may have had close contact with the positive case. Close contact is defined as 6 feet in proximity.” The County Health Department is placing close contacts in mandatory quarantine to monitor them for COVID-19 symptoms, which include fever, cough, and/or shortness of breath.

While our community is understandably anxious, please know the Health Department is working diligently to complete these investigations as quickly as possible. If you have questions in regard to travel or symptoms, please contact the New York State Coronavirus Hotline: 1-888-364-3065.

Press release:

The City of Batavia announced that applications for a $300,000 New York Main Street Grant Program that is available to all building owners within the Batavia Improvement District (BID) and Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI) area will be extended until 4:30 p.m. April 10, 2020.

In light of recent events, mandates and changes to all of our routines, the City of Batavia will extend the due date of these grant fund applications to the close of business -- 4:30 p.m. -- on April 10^th, 2020.

The City of Batavia encourages all residents to stay safe in these unprecedented times and continue to support your local businesses in any way possible. Our local businesses need our community support now, more than ever.

Guidelines and the applications can be found on the BDC website.

If you have any questions please contact Andrew Maguire by email at:   amaguire@bataviadevelopmentcorp.org

Unacast, a company that provides location tracking software to developers of mobile games and other mobile software, is using an aggregate count of people's movements to determine how could communities throughout the United States are doing when it comes to social distancing.

While the State of New York gets an overall A grade, Genesee County is marked down to a C grade, based on reducing travel by only about 21 percent.

Unacast’s location data comes from games, shopping and utility apps that tens of millions of Americans have installed on mobile devices.

Our county is ranked in the bottom five counties in the state for social distracting, but at least we're not getting the F grade handed out to the entire State of Wyoming.

View the Social Distancing scoreboard here.

Wyoming County gets an A, while Livingston and Orleans counties get B grades. The other surrounding counties are As.

Press release:

U.S. Senator Charles Schumer formally announced today (March 25) the expected passage of the latest COVID-19 emergency package he directly negotiated, delivering $40B+ dollars to the state and its citizens.

In reaching an agreement, the Senate will help New York address the coronavirus crisis, support our local communities, and most importantly put workers first.

“This is not a moment of celebration but rather one of necessity,” Senator Schumer said. “The more than $40 billion dollars of additional help on the way to New York is essential to save lives, preserve paychecks, support small businesses, and much more.

"These critical dollars will inject proverbial medicine into our state, city and localities throughout Upstate New York, to deliver much-needed resources, right now, that can help combat the coronavirus. Like all compromise legislation, this bill is far from perfect — but it now does much more for this state, its people and its future than what we began with.”

'Unemployment Insurance on Steroids'

First, this relief package includes a dramatic and historic expansion and reform of the unemployment insurance program, something Schumer has called "Unemployment Insurance (UI) on steroids." He conceived this plan with an understanding of how the modern New York economy functions and to provide more generous benefits during this crisis to a greater number of New Yorkers, including those who have non-traditional employment like freelancers and gig workers.

The extended and expanded UI program in this agreement increases the maximum unemployment benefit amount by $600 per week above one’s base unemployment compensation benefit and ensures that workers who are laid off or out of work, on average, will receive their full pay for four months, a full quarter.

It ensures that all workers are protected whether they work for small, medium or large businesses, along with the self-employed and workers in the gig economy, who might travel from Long Island or Upstate to work in the city each day. The $260 billion dollar plan will deliver at least $15 billion directly to New York. Payments of $1,200 for individuals and $2,400 for couples accounts for another $15.5B to New York.

'Marshall Plan for Hospitals'

The second major priority of Schumer’s negotiating was to deliver a Marshall Plan for our hospitals and other medical facilities so they can provide necessary care during this pandemic. Schumer was able to create this plan and include more than $150 billion for it nationally. Given the New York is the national epicenter of the pandemic, billions of dollars will begin flowing to New York right away.

The money will be available to fund efforts critical to defeating the virus. That includes a massive new grant program for hospitals and health care providers, personal and protective equipment for health care workers, testing supplies, increased workforce and training, new construction to house patients, emergency operation centers and more.

Additional funding is also dedicated to delivering Medicare payment increases to all hospitals and providers to ensure that they receive the funding they need during this crisis, and new investments in our country’s Strategic National Stockpile, surge capacity and medical research into COVID-19.

Stablizing the Ones Hardest Hit

Third, Schumer, a proud fighter for state and local governments, negotiated a special program to deliver relief to those entities, to help stabilize the ones hardest hit by the virus, like Westchester. An expenditure relief fund of roughly $150 billion dollars will deliver at least $7.5 billion to New York, with more than $168 million going to Westchester County, over $159 million headed toward Erie County, and more than $128 million for Monroe County.

Small Business Rescue Plan

Fourth, Schumer, a longtime champion of small businesses across New York negotiated a small business rescue plan that allocates more than $375 billion to forgivable loans and grants to small businesses and nonprofits so they can maintain their existing workforce and help pay other expenses during this crisis, like rent, a mortgage or utilities.

The self-employed, independent contractors, and sole proprietors are eligible for assistance. New York, with its 2.2 million small businesses and tens-of-thousands of nonprofits can expect to see billions of dollars once companies and organizations begin to apply for those funds.

NYS small businesses that currently have more than 19,000 existing SBA loans will also have relief from the burden of paying those loans with a new policy of the SBA instead paying the principal, interest, and fees for a six-month period.

'Emergency Appropriations'

Finally, Schumer negotiated several “emergency appropriations” totaling $180 million that range from:

• Billions for hard-hit airports;
• Expanded benefits to SNAP;
• Increased Community Development Block Grants, which helps all our municipalities;
• Funding for child care, of which New York would receive an additional $162 million;
• Nutrition for seniors;
• Nearly $1 billion dollars to help heat homes when income becomes a problem
• And $1.5 billion for the National Guard to support to the hardest hit States and territories, like New York where approximately 2,200 members of the National Guard have been activated, amongst other things. New York will see tens of billions od dollars from this account, as well.

Since Sunday, Schumer made several significant improvements to the bill that Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell first introduced. Here are some of the improvements:

• Four months of more unemployment insurance instead of 3 months;
• $55 billion increase in the Schumer "Marshall Plan" for our Health Care System;
• $6.3 billion for the Strategic National Stockpile for critical medical supplies, personal protective equipment, and life-saving medicine;
• $150 billion for a state and local Coronavirus Relief Fund;
• $10 billion for SBA emergency grants of up to $10,000 to provide immediate relief for operating costs once a small business or nonprofit has applied for an Economic Injury Disaster Loan;
• $17 billion for SBA to cover six months of payments for small businesses with existing SBA loans;
• $30 billion in emergency education funding and $25 billion in emergency transit funding;
• $30 billion for the Disaster Relief Fund to provide financial assistance to state and local governments, as well as private nonprofits providing critical and essential services;
• $30.75 billion for grants to provide emergency support to local school systems and higher education institutions to continue to provide educational services to their students and support the ongoing functionality of school districts and institutions;
• Make rent, mortgage and utility costs eligible for SBA loan forgiveness;
• Ban stock buybacks for the term of the government assistance plus one year on any company receiving a government loan from the bill;
• Establish robust worker protections attached to all federal loans for businesses;
• Create real-time public reporting of Treasury transactions under the Act, including terms of loans, investments or other assistance to corporations;
• Add a retention tax credit for employers to encourage businesses to keep workers on payroll during the crisis;
• Provide income tax exclusion for individuals who are receiving student loan repayment assistance from their employer;
• Eliminated $3 billion bailout for Big Oil;
• Eliminated “secret bailout” provision that would have allowed bailouts to corporations to be concealed for six months;
• Saved hundreds of thousands of airline industry jobs and prohibited airlines from stock buybacks and CEO bonuses.

Press release:

Genesee/Orleans Council on Alcoholism and Substance Abuse remains open during the COVID-19 pandemic with modifications in place to protect the health of patients and staff.

“We are open and providing treatment services in Albion and Batavia,” Executive Director John Bennett said. “Group sessions have been cancelled, but we are still accepting appointments for individual counseling sessions or phone sessions.”

Bennett advised patients to call their GCASA counselor for further information, noting that tele-practice sessions are being set up to eliminate any exposure.

“It is also important to note that GCASA’s methadone clinic is the first of its kind to provide medication outside, something that’s being modeled at other agencies in the state,” Bennett said.

Residential services continue, again with preventive measures in place, and although Recovery Station on Clinton Street Road is temporarily closed to the public, it is being made available for GCASA’s Atwater House residents.

GCASA Prevention Department group programs, such as the DWI Victim Impact Panel and Children of Addiction Support Groups, have been cancelled for the time being.

Prevention Director Shannon Ford and her staff are working on creative ways to advance prevention messaging via social media and through the school districts.

Bennett said all employees are adhering to the coronavirus protocol during the crisis, with many being able to work remotely to decrease the number of people on site.

He encourages everyone to protect themselves and their loved ones by doing the following:

-- Wash your hands frequently with soap and warm water and/or alcohol-based hand sanitizer;
-- Maintain social distancing, keeping at least six feet between yourself and anyone who is coughing or sneezing;
-- Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth;
-- Practice respiratory hygiene by covering your mouth and nose with your bent elbow or tissue when you cough or sneeze. Then dispose of the used tissue immediately;
-- Seek medical care early if you have fever, cough and difficulty breathing.

DISCLOSURE: Story by Mike Pettinella, GCASA publicist.

Press release:

New Yorkers can call the COVID-19 Emotional Support Hotline at 1-844-863-9314 for mental health counseling.

Governor Cuomo: "We asked for mental health professionals to voluntarily sign up to provide online mental health services. Six thousand mental health professionals agreed to volunteer to provide mental health services for people who need it. How beautiful is that?

"God bless the 6,000 mental health professionals who are doing this 100-percent free, on top of whatever they have to do in their normal practice."

A rush transcript of the Governor's remarks is below:

 

"This is also very exciting. I don't know that anyone else has done this. We've talked about the emotional stress that this brings on people. And the mental health stress, and mental health challenges. No one's really talking about this. You know, we're all concerned about the immediate critical need. The life and death of the immediate situation, which is right. But don't underestimate the emotional trauma that people are feeling, and the emotional health issues.

"We asked for mental health professionals to voluntarily sign up to provide online mental health services. Six thousand mental health professionals agreed to volunteer to provide mental health services for people who need it. How beautiful is that?

"And the hotline, 1-844-863-9314, you can call that hotline, you can schedule an appointment with a mental health professional totally free, to talk to them about what you're feeling and what stress you're feeling. And again, God bless the 6,000 mental.health professionals who are doing this 100-percent free, on top of whatever they have to do in their normal practice. And I'm sure in their normal practice, they're busy. So this is really an extraordinary, extraordinary step by them."

Amanda S. McDonald, 26, of Ellsworth Avenue, Batavia, is charged with making unreasonable noise. She was arrested at 9:13 p.m. on March 13 after she allegedly played unreasonably loud music at her residence, an upstairs apartment in the 100 block of Ellsworth Avenue, which "could be heard several houses away." McDonald was processed, issued an appearance ticket for Batavia City Court, and she is due there on March 31. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Wesley Rissinger, assisted by Officer Adam Tucker.

Derrick Roy Kio, 29, of North Road, Le Roy, is charged with second-degree criminal contempt. The defendant was arrested at 12:45 p.m. on March 19 on North Road in Le Roy after he asked law enforcement for help in removing a person from his residence who was not welcome there. Upon arrival, it was discovered that an order of protection was in place directing Kio to stay away from the other person and that they had been living together for quite some time, in violation of the order of protection. He was issued an appearance ticket for Town of Le Roy and is due there May 11. The case was handled Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Christopher Erion.

Josie R. Panepinto, 18, of Ellicott Avenue, Batavia, is charged with fourth-degree criminal mischief. Panepinto was arrested after allegedly damaging another person's property during a domestic incident at 8:45 p.m. on Maple Street in Batavia. The defendant was issued an appearance ticket and is due in Batavia City Court on May 19. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Christopher Lindsay, assisted by Officer Miah Stevens.

Douglas J. Taylor, 31, of Church Street, Medina, is charged with petit larceny and possession of a hypodermic instrument. At 11:11 a.m. on March 20, Douglas was arrested on the charges at the Dollar General Store on East Main Street in Batavia. He was issued an appearance ticket to be in Batavia City Court on May 19. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Stephen Quider, assisted by Officer Peter Post.

Taylor L. Finnin, 27, of East Main Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of drug paraphernalia in the second degree. Finnin was arrested at 3:49 p.m. March 12 on Swan Street in Batavia. The defendant was issued an appearance ticket and is due in Batavia City Court on March 24. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Connor Borchert, assisted by Officer Wesley Rissinger.

(name redacted -- charge dismissed) and John R. Gorton (no age or residence provided) are charged with unlawful possession of marijuana in the second degree. They were arrested at 1:12 a.m. on March 14 in the Eastown Plaza parking lot on East Main Street in Batavia after a complaint of two males smoking marijuana in a vehicle. Both men were issued appearance tickets then released from custody. They are due in Batavia City Court on March 31. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Alec Roberts, assisted by Officer Jordan McGinnis.

To help locally owned businesses get through this, we're offering, upon request, free live interviews with small business owners. This morning, we're talking with Mike Hodgins, owner of John's Studio. Local business owners who wish to participate, email howard@thebatavian.com.

Six days ago, there were 10 people under mandatory quarantine in Genesee County to help prevent the possible spread of coronavirus and today there are 21 people under mandatory quarantine.

Not all of the people who were part of that group of 10 are still under mandatory quarantine, according to the Health Department. Some of those people tested negative for COVID-19.

Nola Goodrich-Kresse, a public information officer for the Genesee/Orleans Health Department, said the exact number of people under mandatory quarantine who tested negative and were removed from quarantine is not available. We've never had an exact count of the number of people under mandatory quarantine who are also symptomatic. But everybody who is symptomatic and had contact with a known COVID-19 patient has been tested.

For some, results have not yet returned from one of the New York State labs.

If a person had direct contact with a confirmed COVID-19 patient, that person is placed, by order of the public health director, under mandatory quarantine.

Not everybody under mandatory quarantine is symptomatic.

In the current group of 21, not all necessarily had contact with the one known case in Genesee County.

Through contact tracing, multiple people were identified as possible direct contacts with that one positive case.

If they are not symptomatic, they must remain in quarantine for 14 days. If they remain symptom-free through that two-week period, they are released from quarantine.

People who tested negative but are ill are asked to avoid contact with other people because they might be contagious with another bug.

Swabs are sent to state labs by both the health department -- from those mandatory quarantines -- and from private providers, who don't have the authority to order mandatory quarantines but are expected to direct their patients to self-quarantine. 

So far, there have been 44 negative test results for COVID-19 for residents of Genesee County. Goodrich-Kresse said there is no way to differentiate the source of those tests.

The health of the one person who tested positive is improving, according to health department officials.

For today's health department briefing, published earlier, click here.

"Spiritual Connections"  -- The Batavian will post updates to connect people with their places of worship, religious services, fellowship opportunities, and/or spiritual advisors, etc.

If you have information to announce, please email:    billie@thebatavian.com    OR    howard@thebatavian.com

****************************

St. Paul Lutheran Church in Batavia is now posting its Sunday and Lenten weekday bulletins with worship service and sermons on their website. The Church office is not open to visitors but office staff is on hand to take calls during normal office hours 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday to Friday for any questions or needs of the congregation. A phone tree has been put in place to check on those that might be home and unable to go out publicly to retrieve necessities. If you do not receive a call, and have a need for assistance, please call the main office at (585) 343-0488. Email address is:   stpaulbatavia@gmail.com

Press release:

While the COVID-19 pandemic threatens the health of millions in this country and around the world, the novel coronavirus presents unique challenges for more than 400,000 New York State residents living with dementia and their care partners.

Most notably, public health strategies aimed at limiting contact with others is nearly impossible for people living with Alzheimer’s and other dementias, who rely on family caregivers and others to live their daily lives.

This reality affects these individuals across all settings, including home, adult day services, residential and assisted living facilities and nursing homes. 

To help family caregivers navigate the quickly changing environment, the Alzheimer’s Association Western New York Chapter is offering additional guidance to families:

• Free dementia education programs and support groups via the internet. Learn more at communityresourcefinder.org or call 1.800.272.3900.
• You also have access to prerecorded educational courses available at any time at training.alz.org.
• Early Stage Social Engagement programs will be available virtually including: Virtual Tour of the Albright Knox; Virtual Art Gallery tours ; Virtual De-stress and Restore Chair Yoga; Virtual Music Jam Session. To register, please call 716-626-0600, ext. 8997, or email  Maggie at mgconcannon@alz.org.
• Care Consultations will be available in several ways: • 24/7 by Phone: 1-800-272-3900 • Live Chat via our website  www.alz.org/help-support/caregiving • Video Call during business hours at (716) 626-0600, ext. 313, to schedule a time that works for you.

Our website offers some tips and tools for home-based caregivers and for those whose loved one is in a facility. That info can be found at alz.org/COVID19.

The Le Roy Town Board meeting scheduled for Thursday, March 26th has been cancelled.

A motor-vehicle accident with unknown injuries is reported in the city at North and Summit streets. City fire and Mercy medics are responding.

The Le Roy Rotary Community Kitchen will be serving its regular hot dinner from 5 to 6 p.m. today at Le Roy Masonic Community Center, 12 Bank St.

Organizers said meals – pulled pork or ham, potatoes, salad, desserts -- are being served via a drive-thru process and bags of groceries will be given to their patrons.

There is no charge for the dinners and take-home items will also be available at no cost.

The Le Roy Rotary Community Kitchen is a biweekly dinner that is available at no cost. The meals are served on the second and fourth Tuesday of the month from 5 to 6:15 p.m. at the Le Roy Masonic Community Center, 12 Bank St. in Le Roy.

SITUATIONAL UPDATE:

• As of 2 p.m. today the lab-confirmed positive cases of COVID-19 are now two new positives for Orleans County and still one confirmed case for Genesee County. We have the initial one confirmed case of COVID-19 identified in Genesee County and now have three confirmed cases of COVID-19 for Orleans County. Since the onset of testing, Genesee County has received 44 negative test results, and Orleans 43 negative test results, for COVID-19.
• Orleans County: Four people are under precautionary quarantine; 13 people are under mandatory quarantine; and three people are under mandatory isolation -- one of whom is hospitalized and two are recovering at home. The new positive cases reside in the center part of the county and are not associated. One of the individuals is over 65 and the other is younger than 65. The contact tracing has been initiated for the new cases. Known contacts to these two cases have already been placed under mandatory quarantine and will be swabbed if indicated. If a person is identified as a contact, they will be notified by the Health Department.
• Genesee County: Seven people are under precautionary quarantine; 21 people are under mandatory quarantine; and one person (positive case) is under mandatory isolation at home and is recovering.
• “We will start to see our numbers increase moving forward. We expect to see an increase in local cases due to increased swabbing and testing as this is in line with the reality of community spread,” said Paul Pettit, director of Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments.
• As we receive more test results, local contact tracing will continue within our departments. The cases and stories are being built and documented. Contact tracing is determined the day the identified positive case had symptoms. Identified contacts are notified by the local health department, quarantined and if warranted, swabbed as indicated. Currently, NYS clearance criteria require two negative COVID-19 swabbing results prior to being released. Swabbing through the health departments is warranted as part of our quarantine/isolation protocol for those who become symptomatic. We are not providing community testing at this time.
• A reminder as discussed last week. We are placing individuals on quarantine and isolation from the health department but individuals will also be asked by their provider to self-isolate if they have been swabbed until the results come back. Once the county receives test results from the state (whether the swabbing occurred at primary care provider or through contact with the health department) it is then determined whether the individual remains on quarantine, released or is changed to mandatory isolation (for positive swab results) per the NYS guidance. This is very important. Number one, the person tested because they were symptomatic, that’s why they’re being swabbed, and secondly, we don’t want the person exposing others to illness (COVID-19 or otherwise). Please remain home if ill, with all of the directives regarding social distancing that are still be in place, especially if a person has a negative COVID-19 result. The flu and COVID-19 are still transmittable and people should continue to remain home and limiting contact with others. Do not be afraid of people because they may be coughing or sneezing, they may have allergies, but continue to keep your distance (at least 6 feet).
• This week, United Memorial Medical Center completed the assembly and installation of a series of tents outside the hospital's Emergency Department. This is a multi-tent system that will act as an extension of their primary care offices. Additional details will follow as the project progresses.
• On Monday, March 23^rd, hospitals in NYS were mandated to increase their capacity by 50 percent; although, the Governor urged hospitals to consider increasing their capacity by 100 percent.
• Phone banks have been set up in both counties to assist with the overflow of calls. Callers will be asked about the nature of their call and the staff will triage and forward the calls as appropriate. We encourage businesses, to contact the Department of Labor if they have questions about their business operations.

OPERATIONAL UPDATES

• COVID-19 swabbing/testing at the Health Departments and community continues to be limited. If you feel you may have COVID-19, call your primary care provider or healthcare facility ahead of time. DO NOT GO DIRECTLY THERE, CALL AHEAD TO GET GUIDANCE. We will be screening and focusing on our at-risk populations – elderly and immune-compromised and those with underlying health issues. Primary care providers and some health systems are offering testing in both Monroe and Erie counties.  We’re still waiting on more public/private labs to sign-on soon along with swabbing kits.
• Lab testing has been bogged down and sample results are coming back slowly. Again this is a source of frustration for the public and us. We continue to push these unacceptable issues back up to the state.
• We are asking individuals to follow the orders that are put out there. If you believe an employer is violating either existing labor laws or recently issued @NYGocCuomo executive orders, please contact the @NewYorkStateAG's office at (212) 416-8700 or Labor.Bureau@ag.ny.gov.

https://ag.ny.gov/press-release/2020/attorney-general-james-urges-employees-file-complaints-against-employers-ignoring

NEW YORK STATE CASES / RESTRICTIONS / GUIDANCE

• As of March 24, 2020, at 11 a.m. according to Governor Andrew Cuomo there are 4,790 new positive cases of COVID-19, bringing the total to 25,665 in New York State.
• Monroe County: 96 confirmed cases in Monroe County.
• Erie County: 107 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Erie County.
• Wyoming County: Four Confirmed COVID-19 cases.
• Niagara County: 12 Confirmed COVID-19 cases.
• Effective Saturday, March, 21^st beginning at 8 p.m., all personal care services such as hair salons, barbershops, nail salons, and tattoo/piercing parlors in NYS will be mandated to close. These professions cannot conduct business while maintaining social distancing.
• On Friday, March 20, 2020, Cuomo announced that he will sign an executive order mandating that 100 percent of the workforce must stay home (excluding essential services). This order excludes healthcare, pharmacies, grocery stores, etc.
• Civil fines and mandatory closures for a business that are not in compliance will be issued.
• DOH Test Kits are NOT available. More information will be forthcoming when we receive notice.
• PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) is in extremely short supply with no guidance as to when more will be supplied.
• Gatherings with 50 people or more are not permitted for the next eight weeks.
• Enacting Matilda’s Law to protect New Yorkers age 70+ and those with compromised immune systems:
  • Remain indoors;
  • Can go outside for solitary exercise;
  • Prescreen all visitors by taking their temperature;
  • Wear a mask in the company of others;
  • Stay at least 6 feet from others;
  • Do not take public transportation unless urgent and absolutely necessary.

GENERAL HEALTH REMINDERS / INFORMATION

Flu – for the week ending March 14: Orleans -- 8 flu that week and 257 for the season; Genesee – 22 cases of flu and 588 for the season! Statewide cases during this time frame 6,075 with total NYS cases for the season to date, 153,293. Compared to COVID-19 the risk of the flu and what many people may be experiencing is higher.

We are receiving back negative COVID-19 test results from the lab, but we are still having flu – more flu and other respiratory illness as we look at the data. Keep this in mind. Everyone should be social distancing and staying home.

• Mental Health in both counties are available in various capacities and the Care + Crisis.

The helpline is available 24/7 at 585-283-5200 or text 741741 for anxiety and stress.

• Be alert to scams…there are no FDA-approved at-home test kits for COVID-19.
• Please refer to the county websites for current daily updates and guidance documents. Orleans County’s website is still down, so we ask to visit the Genesee County website or follow GOHealthNY (user names) on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. We are also providing updates on the Genesee Ready and Orleans Aware apps.
• Remember that if you are sick to call your primary care provider. If you must go to the Emergency Room or Urgent Care – call ahead so they can prepare for your arrival.

Continue Social Distancing and daily hygiene practices:

• Hand Hygiene. Washing hands with soap and water for 20 seconds OR use of hand sanitizer with at least 60-percent alcohol;
• Stay 6 feet away from others;
• Disinfect high-touch surfaces;
• Avoid touching your face;
• Avoid contact with people who are sick;
• Stay home when sick;
• Avoid crowded places;
• Canceling events/closure of public spaces;
• Encourage people to take care of themselves to take care of their immune systems:
  • Eat healthy – fruits & vegetables, whole grains, low fat meats, etc.;
  • Get plenty of rest;
  • Drink plenty of water;
  • Stop smoking or abusing drugs and alcohol, seek appropriate help;
  • Limit media time to help decrease stress;
  • Keep in contact with older family members by phone, Face Time, cards and letters if you can’t visit in person;
  • Take time for walks, play outside, do puzzles, help keep you children engaged with their studies;
  • Start or continue a hobby.

Vulnerable / Priority Populations

• Older adults (65 years of age and older) and people of any age who have serious underlying medical conditions may be at higher risk for more serious complications from COVID-19.
• Underlying medical conditions may include but are not limited to:
  • Chronic lung disease or asthma
  • Diabetes
  • Weakened immune system
  • Chemotherapy or radiation for cancer
• Women who are pregnant
  If you are at higher risk of getting very sick from COVID-19, you should:
• Stay home as much as possible. (Rely on help to get groceries/necessities such as prescriptions so you do not have to go out in public). Talk with your healthcare provider about providing 90-day prescription orders and ask your pharmacist if you can refill early to limit trips out in public.
• Take everyday precautions to keep space between yourself and others
• Keep away from others who are sick
• Wash your hands often
• Avoid nonessential travel
• Watch for symptoms and emergency signs. If you get sick, stay home and call your doctor.
• CDC does not recommend that people who are well wearing a face mask to protect themselves from respiratory illnesses. A face mask should only be used by people who have COVID-19 and are showing symptoms. This is to protect others from the risk of getting infected.
• Older patients and individuals who have severe underlying medical conditions or are immunocompromised should contact their healthcare provider early, even if their illness is mild. Symptoms for COVID-19 are shortness of breath, dry cough, and fever.